Sometimes athletes and clients fail to follow the training or rehabilitation programs that were designed for them. The problem is often the result of the strength training professional failing to design and implement a comprehensive training program.

When someone says “abs,” the first thing that comes to mind for many people is the six-pack. For many, including fitness clients, the abdomen has been marginalized to include just one muscle—the rectus abdominis. However, the abdominal region is composed of several key muscles that contribute to core function.

Pain in the TFL is common for certain types of athletes such as distance runners. Likewise, irritation to the ITB has been a source of pain for those who ramp up their training mileage too quickly and those who train incorrectly.

Written for coaches and fitness professionals, Core Assessment and Training includes photos, illustrations, and instructions for more than 120 exercises. A DVD accompanying the text features video demonstrations that help readers review proper techniques and protocols for the exercises.

Our understanding of the importance of core health for injury prevention, athletic performance, and rehabilitation grows each day. Make sure you can offer your clients safe and effective programs with Core Assessment and Training. In this book, you will learn to assess each client’s baseline core function and develop an individualized program to meet his or her needs.

In Core Assessment and Training, expert Jason Brumitt covers all aspects of core training—from basic to advanced core exercises, stretches, and plyometrics. Whether you are a personal trainer, strength coach, or rehabilitation professional, this reference will help you learn these essentials:

Functional anatomy of the core musculature

Core assessment and functional testing techniques

Fundamentals of program design for core training

Special considerations for core training for various sports and core-specific injuries and conditions

This book covers not only core strength but also flexibility and plyometrics. It includes photos, illustrations, and instructions for more than 120 exercises. Sample exercise routines and a table that lists the exercises by the muscles used offer a basis for program design and provide on-the-spot reference. The accompanying DVD features video demonstrations that help you review proper techniques and protocols for many of the exercises and assessments discussed in the book. All of the information in the book and on the DVD is presented in a logical format with the busy fitness professional in mind.

Understanding the concepts of core training and analyzing functioning of the core are key components of safe core exercise programs. With Core Assessment and Training, you can master the techniques for assessing each client’s needs and design customized training programs for maximum results.

Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction to Core Stability Training

Chapter 2: Functional Anatomy of the Core

Chapter 3: The Client Interview: The First Step in Assessing Your Client

Jason Brumitt, MSPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS*D, is an instructor of physical therapy at Pacific University in Hillsboro, Oregon. He earned his master of science degree in physical therapy from Pacific University and is currently a doctoral candidate at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Brumitt is board certified in sports physical therapy and certified as an athletic trainer. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he provides clinical rehabilitation services to the student-athletes of Pacific University.

Brumitt is the author of “Ounce of Prevention,” a regularly featured column in the National Strength and ConditioningAssociation’s (NSCA) Performance Training Journal. He has published numerous articles on sports medicine and strength training in the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, the New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy,Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, Strength and Conditioning Journal, and Athletic Therapy Today. Brumitt has presented lectures on core training at local and national professional conferences as an invited speaker for both the NSCA and the Northwest Athletic Trainers’ Association (NWATA).

Brumitt, his wife, and their three children reside in Damascus, Oregon.